The first phone interview with HR was excellent—well-structured, clear, and respectful. Unfortunately, the second-round interview was a very different experience. It was a panel of three people, and partway through, The owner left the interview without notice and did not return. The remaining two panelists continued and were professional in handling the technical and behavioral questions.
Some of the questions from the owner before she left were also unnecessarily pointed, focusing on why I had a few career moves in recent years in a way that felt dismissive rather than curious.
Overall, I left with a very negative impression. They insist they are not a staffing firm, but the structure of their business and the mandatory non-compete they require suggests otherwise. I would not recommend this company based on my experience.